Sports

Broncos cut ties with veteran Bailey

Cornerback dealt with injuries during 2013 season

ENGLEWOOD — — Champ Bailey, arguably the best defensive player in Broncos' history, is moving on.

Bailey, who earned eight of his record 12 Pro Bowl selections with the Broncos, met face to face Wednesday with general manager John Elway and coach John Fox at the team's Dove Valley headquarters.

The possibility of reworking the final $10 million salary on Bailey's contract was not presented as an option, according to an NFL source. Instead, Elway and Fox told Bailey the team was ready to move on without him.

"Champ, you taught me a lot!'' tweeted Broncos weakside linebacker Danny Trevathan. "It's been a damn honor and a privilege."

Bailey, 35, wants to keep playing so it appears the only solution is for the Broncos to release their left cornerback, most likely before free agency opens Tuesday.

As recently as the 2012 season, Bailey was playing at a high level, earning his12th Pro Bowl berth that set an NFL record among defensive backs.

But Bailey had a tough game against the Baltimore Ravens and receiver Torrey Smith in a second-round playoff loss that ended the Broncos' 2012 season.

His 2013 season was the most frustrating of his 15-year career as he suffered a severely sprained Lisfranc ligament in the bottom of his left foot during an Aug. 17 preseason game at Seattle.

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Bailey missed the first five games, was ineffective upon his return in game 6 against Jacksonville and receiver Justin Blackmon, then aggravated the injury in game 7 at Indianapolis.

In all, Bailey missed 11 of the first 14 games because of the foot injury, then returned to play a reduced nickelback role for the next three games, including a playoff win against San Diego.

There was some thought Bailey's difficult season was more the result of injury than declining performance because of age, leaving open the chance he would return to the Broncos at a pay cut. Bailey was scheduled to draw a $1 million roster bonus plus a $9 million salary in 2014, the final year of his contract.

But the Broncos apparently believe Bailey is at the end. He will turn 36 in June and there haven't been many NFL cornerbacks who have ever played at that age. The team would not confirm Wednesday night that a final decision has made regarding Bailey.

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